Packers’ Erik Walden suspended from first game without pay

Walden will be eligible to return to the Packers’ active roster on Monday, September 10th following the team’s September 9th game against the San Francisco 49ers.

Walden is eligible to participate in all preseason practices and games.

Walden reached a deferred judgement agreement to resolve a disorderly conduct-domestic abuse charge in February of 2012. He agreed to perform 50 hours of community service and continue counseling. The charge will be dismissed in a year, as long as he stays out of trouble.

Walden spent the weekend after Thanksgiving in jail after a Nov. 25 dispute with his girlfriend.

In 2011, Walden appeared in all 16 contests and made a career-high 15 starts. He finished fifth on the defense with a career-best 86 tackles (50 solo), along with three sacks, two passes defensed and a fumble recovery that he returned for a touchdown. Walden originally signed with the Packers as a free agent in October 2010 and went on to play in nine contests with two starts that season, along with another three starts in the postseason.

Walden was drafted by Dallas in the sixth round (No. 167 overall) of the 2008 NFL Draft out of Middle Tennessee State. After being waived by the Cowboys in the final roster reduction, he was claimed by Kansas City and played in nine contests for the Chiefs in ’08. He also appeared in 19 games for Miami from 2008-10. For his career, Walden has played in 53 games with 17 starts and has recorded 117 tackles (69 solo), six sacks, two passes defensed, a fumble recovery, and 28 tackles on special teams.